Burkina Faso
Africa · Country #156
Did you know?
Burkina Faso hosts FESPACO, the largest African film festival in the world. It takes place every two years in the capital city, Ouagadougou, and is often called the “African Cannes.”
My Experience
At the time of my visit, much of Burkina Faso was affected by ongoing Islamist insurgencies, with large parts of the country outside the government’s effective control. Fortunately, the capital, Ouagadougou, famous for having one of the world’s most amusing city names, remained relatively stable. Beyond its memorable name, I didn’t find the city itself particularly remarkable. Wanting to see more of the country, I hired a driver for a day trip to Tiébélé, a village famous for its beautifully decorated traditional Kassena homes. Painted with intricate geometric patterns that have been passed down through generations, they offered one of the most unique glimpses of West African culture that I experienced.
The best part of my time in Burkina Faso came in a village just outside the capital, where I visited the Sacred Crocodiles of Bazoulé. Local tradition holds that they share a special spiritual connection with the community, and my guide encouraged me to sit on one of their backs, explaining that they had grown accustomed to people and wouldn’t attack anyone. I was understandably skeptical, but curiosity got the better of me. I climbed onto the back of one, managed to get a great photo, and walked away with one of the most surreal travel memories of my time in West Africa.
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